Variable hood apparatus for kitchen

ABSTRACT

A variable hood apparatus includes a bent column fixed to a wall of the kitchen, a support body detachably mounted on the bent column and configured to be capable of adjusting a height level thereof, a first horizontal bar supported by the support body and configure to be rotatable, a slider mounted on the first horizontal bar and configured to be slidable, a second horizontal bar supported by the slider and configured to be rotatable, a foldable hood mounted on an extension of the second horizontal bar, the foldable hood being configured to be unfolded while being used, an exhaust pipe which is connected to the foldable hood and which extends to an outside, and an exhaust mechanism generating an airflow which is formed inside the exhaust pipe and which is directed toward the outside, thereby inducing a negative pressure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0032321, filed Mar. 11, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a variable hood apparatus mounted in a kitchen. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a variable hood apparatus for a kitchen, the variable hood apparatus being capable of performing more efficient exhaust by bringing the variable hood apparatus closer to a point where odors and gas are generated since a position of the variable hood apparatus is can be adjusted.

Description of the Related Art

Odors or harmful gas, such as fine dust, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and the like, generated during heating and cooking a food is a contamination source contaminating indoor air, and is not good for the health of an indoor occupant and may cause discomfort to the indoor occupant. Therefore, indoor spaces are required to be frequently ventilated. However, in practice, ventilation of the indoor spaces is often insufficient.

Meanwhile, a hood for a kitchen is a ventilation apparatus configured to discharge smoke or odors as well as harmful gas generated during cooking to the outside, and is mounted above a heating source such as a gas stove, an induction range, and the like. For example, such a hood is an apparatus including a casing, an intake fan, a filter, a duct, and the like that are configured to receive gas. Further, the hood is configured to drive the intake fan so as to suction the gas, and is configured to exhaust the suctioned gas through the duct.

However, a conventional hood has a disadvantage in that gas is not efficiently suctioned since the conventional hood is far from a heating source. In other words, harmful gas generated from a gas stove, odors generated from a frying pan, and the like are not completely removed. When the intake fan is rotated at high speed, a removal rate of gas increases, but there is a problem that mechanical noise is generated.

In order to solve these problems, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0081262 (HOOD FOR KITCHEN) has been disclosed. The disclosed hood for the kitchen includes: a main cover mounted on a first side of a sink so as to be positioned above a gas stove, the main cover having a front surface of a first side of a lower end portion thereof provided with a controller, and the main cover having an upper surface of the first side thereof formed with an exhaust port; an auxiliary cover mounted on the front surface of a second side of the main cover so as to be in communication with the upper surface of the main cover; an exhaust fan mounted in the exhaust port that is formed on the upper surface of the first side of the main cover, the exhaust fan being connected to the controller; a vertical movement mechanism having a lower end thereof connected to the second side of the lower end of the main cover and having an upper end thereof connected to an upper end portion of the auxiliary cover, thereby being connected to the controller; and an intake mechanism having opposite side surfaces connected to the vertical movement mechanism, the intake mechanism being configured to move up and down as the vertical movement mechanism connected to the controller is operated.

However, the disclosed hood for the kitchen has a limitation that the intake mechanism is moved in the vertical direction only. For example, the intake mechanism cannot move in a horizontal direction. Therefore, in a kitchen where a plurality of heating sources is mounted, it is difficult to use the disclosed hood for the kitchen.

In addition, since a motor for rotating a fan is disposed at a lower end portion of the intake mechanism, loud noise is generated while using the motor. Particularly, since the motor is positioned adjacent to a heating source, the fan is also heated together with a food by the heating source.

DOCUMENT OF RELATED ART

-   (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No.     10-2009-0081262 (HOOD FOR KITCHEN)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a variable hood apparatus for a kitchen, the variable hood apparatus being capable of freely adjusting a position of a hood so that a usable physical range of the hood is wide, the variable hood apparatus being capable of being folded and being in close contact with one side when the hood is not used, and the variable hood apparatus being capable of operating with low noise.

In order to achieve the above objective of the present disclosure, there is provided a variable hood apparatus for a kitchen, the variable hood apparatus including: a bent column formed by pressing a metal plate and having a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a longitudinal direction, the bent column being fixed to a wall of the kitchen and being configured to provide a supporting force; a support body detachably mounted on the bent column and configured to be capable of adjusting a height level thereof; a first horizontal bar which is supported by the support body and which extends in a horizontal direction, the first horizontal bar being configured to be rotatable while the horizontal bar maintains a horizontal state; a slider mounted on the first horizontal bar and configured to be slidably movable along a longitudinal direction of the first horizontal bar; a second horizontal bar which is supported by the slider and which extends in the horizontal direction, the second horizontal bar being configured to be rotatable while the second horizontal bar maintains the horizontal state; a foldable hood mounted on an extension end portion of the second horizontal bar, the foldable hood being configured to be unfolded while being used and to be folded while being not used; an exhaust pipe which is connected to the foldable hood and which extends to an outside; and an exhaust mechanism configured to generate an airflow which is formed inside the exhaust pipe and which is in a direction toward the outside, thereby inducing a negative pressure in the foldable hood.

In addition, the bent column may be fixed vertically and may have a plurality of locking holes spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, wherein the support body may include: a main body provided with a support hole having a predetermined inner diameter; and a locking bracket fixed to a first side of the main body and supported by the plurality of locking holes, wherein the first horizontal bar may have a rotary shaft inserted into the support hole such that the first horizontal bar is axially rotatable with respect to the support hole, and may have an extension slit which extends in an extending direction of the first horizontal bar and which has a predetermined width, wherein the slider may include: a traveling guider configured to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the extension slit while being inserted into the extension slit; a cover plate which is formed integrally with the traveling guider and which is in surface contact with a top surface of the first horizontal bar; and a support pin fixed perpendicular to the cover plate, wherein the second horizontal bar may be linked to the support pin of the slider such that the second horizontal bar is rotatable with respect to the support pin.

In addition, the exhaust pipe may be a flexible bellows, an extension end portion of the exhaust pipe may be provided with a fixing block that is capable of being fitted into and fixed to a window frame, and the exhaust mechanism may include a blower and an air guiding pipe which is connected to the blower and inserted into an inside of the exhaust pipe, the air guiding pipe being configured to eject air supplied from the blower to the inside of the exhaust pipe.

In addition, a venturi portion may be further provided inside the exhaust pipe, and the air guiding pipe is disposed on a downstream of the venturi portion.

In addition, the foldable hood may include: a head portion fixed to an end portion of the second horizontal bar and connected to the exhaust pipe; and a wing portion positioned below the head portion, the wing portion being configured to guide gas to be exhausted to the head portion by being unfolded while being used, and the wing portion being folded while being not used.

In addition, the wing portion may include a plurality of split wings hinge-connected to the head portion and configured to be rotatable up and down, the plurality of split wings being configured such that opposite end portions in a side direction thereof are in close contact with each other while being rotated upward, thereby maintaining an unfolded state.

In addition, the wing portion may include: a plurality of fixing ribs which is fixed to the head portion and which extends in a radial direction around the head portion, and which is spaced apart from each other by predetermined intervals; a plurality of rotation ribs respectively pin connected to the plurality of fixing ribs and configured to be rotatable up and down; a plurality of rib fixing mechanisms configured to enable the plurality of rotation ribs to maintain an unfolded state when the plurality of rotation ribs is rotated upward; and a heat-resistant light permeable fabric fixed to the plurality of fixing ribs and the plurality of rotation ribs, the heat-resistant light permeable fabric being configured to be unfolded while the plurality of rotation ribs is rotated upward, thereby guiding the gas to be exhausted to the head portion.

In addition, the plurality of rib fixing mechanisms may include: a plurality of arcuate-shaped rods having a predetermined curvature and respectively fixed to the plurality of rotation ribs; a plurality of ratchet fingers respectively mounted on the plurality of arcuate-shaped rods, the plurality of ratchet fingers being configured to be rotatable; and a plurality of locking tubes supported by the head portion and providing a plurality of passages through which the plurality of arcuate-shaped rods respectively passes, the plurality of locking tubes being configured such that inner portions of the passages are respectively provided with a plurality of toothed portions, and the plurality of toothed portions being configured to be locked on the plurality of ratchet fingers, respectively, such that the plurality of rotation ribs is prevented from being moved downward.

The variable hood apparatus for the kitchen of the present disclosure configured as described above is capable of freely adjusting the three-dimensional position of the hood, so that a usable physical range of the hood is wide. In addition, when the hood is not used, the hood is folded and is in close contact with one side, so that a using region of the kitchen may be more widely provided. In addition, there is almost no noise during operating the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objectives, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a configuration of a variable hood apparatus for a kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view separately illustrating the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a hood and an exhaust pipe in the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows (A) to (C) which are partial cross-sectional views for explaining various exhaust methods that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views for explaining a configuration and an operation of a foldable hood that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views for explaining a configuration and an operation of another type of the foldable hood that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views for explaining a configuration of still another type of the foldable hood that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration and an application example of a variable hood apparatus 30 for a kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view separately illustrating the variable hood apparatus 30 for the kitchen illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a foldable hood 40 and an exhaust pipe 65 in FIG. 1. In addition, FIGS. 4A to 4C are partial cross-sectional views for explaining various exhaust methods that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus 30 for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawings, the variable hood apparatus 30 according to the present disclosure includes a bent column 31, a support body 33, a first horizontal bar 34, a slider 36, a second horizontal bar 38, the foldable hood 40, the exhaust pipe 65, and an exhaust mechanism.

The bent column 31 is formed by pressing a rectangular metal plate having both a predetermined thickness and a predetermined width. Further, the bent column 31 is fixed to a wall 11 a of a kitchen 11, and is perpendicular to a top plate of a sink 12. The bent column 31 may be mounted on any positions on the top plate of the sink 12, but the bent column 31 is preferable to be mounted adjacent to a gas stove 13.

The bent column 31 is formed by bending a stainless steel plate, and has a plurality of locking holes 31 a. The locking hole 31 a is a portion to which a locking bracket 33 c that will be described later is locked and supported, and the plurality of locking holes 31 a is spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. Distances between the plurality of locking holes 31 a may be variously designed. In addition, as long as the locking bracket 33 c is locked on and fixed to the plurality of locking holes 31 a, the number of the locking holes 31 a and the types of the locking holes 31 a may be variously changed. Fixation of the bent column 31 to the wall 11 a may be realized by an adhesive tape (not illustrated). The bent column 31 may be fabricated from synthetic resin instead of metal.

In addition, the support body 33 is a member that supports the first horizontal bar 34 while being detachably hung on the locking hole 31 a of the bent column 31. Which locking hole 31 a among the plurality of locking holes 31 a is used for supporting the support body 33 is determined by a user.

The support body 33 includes a main body 33 a and the locking bracket 33 c. The main body 33 a is formed in a hexahedral shape, and a center portion of the main body 33 a is provided with a support hole 33 e. The support hole 33 e is a hole having a predetermined inner diameter, and extends vertically. That is, a central axis of the support hole 33 e is perpendicular to the top plate of the sink 12.

The locking bracket 33 c is a bent piece which is substantially formed in an “L” shape and which is fixed to a first side of the main body 33 a. When the locking bracket 33 c is inserted in a horizontal direction into the locking hole 31 a and is released, the locking bracket 33 c is moved downward by the action of gravity, so that the locking bracket 33 c is automatically locked on and supported by the locking hole 31 a. As a result, the support body 33 is mounted on and fixed to the bent column 31 via both the locking bracket 33 c and the locking hole 31 a.

The first horizontal bar 34 is a rod-shaped member which rectilinearly extends in the horizontal direction and which is supported by the support body 33, and the first horizontal bar 34 supports the slider 36 such that the slider 36 is slidably movable. A rotary shaft 34 c is fixed to a lower portion of a first end portion of the first horizontal bar 34.

The rotary shaft 34 c is a shaft member which has a predetermined diameter and which is inserted into the support hole 33 e. The rotary shaft 34 c is configured to be axially rotated while being in surface contact with an inner circumferential surface of the support hole 33 e. As the rotary shaft 34 c is inserted into the support hole 33 e, the first horizontal bar 34 automatically maintains a horizontal state, and the first horizontal bar 34 is rotatable in left and right directions around the rotary shaft 34 c. The insertion and the separation of the rotary shaft 34 c with respect to the support hole 33 e may be freely performed.

In addition, an extension slit 34 a is formed in the first horizontal bar 34. The extension slit 34 a is a slit which extends in a longitudinal direction of the first horizontal bar 34 and which has a predetermined width, and the extension slit 34 a supports the slider 36 such that the slider 36 is rectilinearly movable. The slider 36 is supported by the first horizontal bar 34, and is configured to be rectilinearly moved while maintaining a constant height level.

The slider 36 includes a traveling guider 36 c, a cover plate 36 a, and a support pin 36 e. The traveling guider 36 c is a portion that is moved along a longitudinal direction of the extension slit 34 a while being inserted into the extension slit 34 a, and opposite side surfaces of the traveling guider 36 c are in surface contact with an inward surface of the extension slit 34 a. By the action of the traveling guider 36 c, the slider 36 is prevented from being twisted or turned while the slider 36 is traveling.

The cover plate 36 a is a plate-shaped member formed integrally with an upper portion of the traveling guider 36 c, and is hung on a top surface of the first horizontal bar 34, so that the traveling guider 36 c is prevented from being fallen below the first horizontal bar 34. The support pin 36 e is a shaft which is vertically fixed to an upper center portion of the cover plate 36 a, and is fitted into a pin accommodating hole 38 a of the second horizontal bar 38. The slider 36 configured as described above can be freely disassembled from the first horizontal bar 34. For example, the user may replace the slider 36.

The second horizontal bar 38 is a rod-shaped member that extends rectilinearly, and a first end portion of the second horizontal bar 38 has the pin accommodating hole 38 a. The pin accommodating hole 38 a accommodates the support pin 36 e of the slider 36. The second horizontal bar 38 is rotatable in the left and right directions with respect to the support pin 36 e. As a result, while the second horizontal bar 38 is supported by the slider 36 and maintains the horizontal state, the second horizontal bar 38 is rectilinearly movable and rotatable.

The support body 33, the first horizontal bar 34, the slider 36, the second horizontal bar 38 that are configured as described above are not fixed by bolts, and are operated while being fitted to each other, thereby capable of easily disassembling the configuration if necessary. Parts of the components can be replaced, or all components can be reassembled after all components are separated and are cleaned.

Meanwhile, the foldable hood 40 is mounted at an extension end portion of the second horizontal bar 38, and can be unfolded when the foldable hood 40 is used and can be folded when the foldable hood 40 is not used. That is, during cooking, the foldable hood 40 is disposed above the gas stove 13 while being in the unfolded state, and is folded when the foldable hood 40 is not needed. A basic function of the foldable hood 40 is the same as a basic function of a conventional hood. In other words, the foldable hood 40 is configured to suction and exhaust odors or gas that is generated during cooking. A description of the foldable hood 40 will be described later.

The exhaust pipe 65 is a flexible bellows, and extends in the longitudinal direction. Further, a first end portion of the exhaust pipe 65 is connected to a head portion 41 of the foldable hood 40, and a second end portion of the exhaust pipe 65 is coupled to a fixing block 66.

The fixing block 66 is formed in a substantially hexahedral shape. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the fixing block 66 is fixed by being fitted between a window frame 15 a and a casement window 15 b. The reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1 is a support block supporting the fixing block 66. Since the exhaust pipe 65 is fixed to a window 15, gas collected by the foldable hood 40 may be exhausted to the outside via the exhaust pipe 65.

In addition, the exhaust mechanism generates an airflow inside the exhaust pipe 65 in a direction toward the outside, thereby inducing a negative pressure in the foldable hood 40. That is, by forming the negative pressure inside the head portion 41 of the foldable hood 40, harmful gas or odors, which is gas to be exhausted, generated during cooking is guided to the exhaust pipe 65 via the head portion 41.

The exhaust mechanism includes a blower 67 and an air guiding pipe 67 a. The blower 67 is mounted outside the exhaust pipe 65. For example, the blower 67 may be disposed on a shelf 16 that is mounted in the kitchen 11. As long as air can be supplied inside the exhaust pipe 65, a position of the blower 67 may be variously changed. The blower 67 generates compressed air and provides the compressed air to the air guiding pipe 67 a.

The air guiding pipe 67 a ejects the air supplied from the blower 67 to the inside of the exhaust pipe 65. A spray nozzle 67 b is mounted on an end portion of the air guiding pipe 67 a. The air ejected via the spray nozzle 67 b is moved toward a downstream of the exhaust pipe 65, and exits to the atmosphere. At this time, a pressure of an upstream is lowered, and gas to be exhausted is introduced into the inside of the exhaust pipe 65.

The exhaust mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4A includes a venturi portion 65 c, and is formed in a shape in which the air guiding pipe 67 a is inserted into an internal space of the venturi portion 65 c and is bent to the downstream. As the air is ejected via the air guiding pipe 67 a, an internal pressure of the venturi portion 65 c is lowered, so that the gas to be exhausted is efficiently exhausted.

The air guiding pipe 67 a in FIG. 4b is formed in a shape in which the air guiding pipe 67 a is inserted inside the exhaust pipe 65 and is bent to the downstream.

In addition, the exhaust mechanism in FIG. 4C is provided with a stream guider 65 e. The stream guider narrows a flow cross-sectional area of the exhaust pipe 65 so that the gas to be exhausted is enabled to be discharged at a faster speed. In addition, a plurality of air guiding pipes 67 a is disposed symmetrically on the downstream of the stream guider 65 e.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views for explaining a configuration and an operation of the foldable hood 40 that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus 30 for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an unfolded shape of the foldable hood 40, and FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a folded shape of the foldable hood 40.

As illustrated in the drawings, the foldable hood 40 includes the head portion 41 having a shape of a hollow cylinder, and includes a wing portion 43 mounted below the head portion 41. The head portion 41 is supported by the extension end portion of the second horizontal bar 38, and is connected to the exhaust pipe 65. As the negative pressure is formed inside the exhaust pipe 65, gas under the head portion 41 is collected in the head portion 41, and the gas is suctioned into the exhaust pipe 65. The head portion 41 and the exhaust pipe 65 can be disassembled from each other.

In addition, a plurality of lower fixing hinges 41 e is fixed to a lower portion of the head portion 41. The lower fixing hinges 41 e are in a one-to-one correspondence with rotation hinges 43 e of split wings 43 a. In a state in which the lower fixing hinges 41 e are respectively brought into contact with the rotation hinges 43 e, other hinge pins 43 f are connected, so that the split wings 43 a are coupled to the head portion 41.

The wing portion 43 includes a plurality of split wings 43 a. The split wings 43 a all have the same size. Further, as described above, the split wings 43 a are connected to the lower fixing hinges 41 e by the other hinge pins 43 f, respectively. In a state in which each of the split wings 43 a is fully deployed upward, each of the split wings 43 a maintains a state in which a thickness surface of the split wing 43 a is in contact with another thickness surface of the adjacent split wing 43 a. To this end, a protruding portion 43 c is formed on one thickness surface of each of the split wings 43 a, and a groove portion 43 d is formed on an opposite thickness surface of each of the split wings 43 a.

In a state in which the wing portion 43 is fully opened, the protruding portion 43 c of each of the split wings 43 a is fitted into the groove portion 43 d of each of the adjacent split wings 43 a. As such, since the protruding portion 43 c is inserted into the groove portion 43 d, the split wings 43 a are in close contact with each other and are prevented from being dislocated from each other under the action of gravity.

When the user holds and dislocates any two split wings 43 a by hand in order for folding the wing portion 43, other split wings 43 a are also separated, and the split wings 43 a are moved downward by the action of gravity and are in a state illustrated in FIG. 6.

The wing portion 43 may be fabricated from a light permeable heat-resistant glass, acrylic, or the like. Otherwise, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a border portion of the wing portion 43 may be fabricated from stainless steel, and light transmission windows 43 b may be fixed to an inner side of the border portion. By using a light permeable material as described above, a situation at a position below the foldable hood 40 can be visually checked, even though the foldable hood 40 is lowered as far as possible to a level directly above a cooking vessel.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views for explaining a configuration and an operation of another type of the foldable hood that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the same reference numerals described above indicate the same members having the same functions.

The foldable hood 40 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes the head portion 41, fixing ribs 45 a, rotation ribs 45 c, rib fixing mechanisms, and a heat-resistant light permeable fabric 51.

The fixing ribs 45 a are members which are fixed to a peripheral portion of the head portion 41, and which extend in a radial direction and which are spaced apart by predetermined intervals. Further, the fixing ribs 45 a respectively have accommodating grooves 45 b. The accommodating grooves 45 b are grooves in which insertion portions 45 d of the rotation ribs 45 c are respectively accommodated.

The rotation ribs 45 c are linear members which are connected to the fixing ribs 45 a via connecting pin 45 q, respectively, and which are rotatable in the up and down directions like umbrella ribs. The insertion portions 45 d are respectively formed on an end portion of each of the rotation ribs 45 c. The insertion portions 45 d are portions inserted into the accommodating grooves 45 b, respectively. In a state in which the insertion portions 45 d are respectively inserted into the accommodating grooves 45 b, the rotation ribs 45 c are connected to the fixing ribs 45 a by passing the connecting pins 45 q therethrough, respectively.

The heat-resistant light permeable fabric 51 is a known flexible heat-resistant flame-retardant fabric that is attached to and fixed to bottom surfaces of both the fixing ribs 45 a and the rotation ribs 45 c. When the rotation ribs 45 c are unfolded, the heat-resistant light permeable fabric 51 is tightly unfolded like a waterproof fabric of an umbrella, and the heat-resistant light permeable fabric 51 guides the gas to be exhausted to the head portion 41.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the rotation ribs 45 c are rotated upward, the rib fixing mechanisms serve to maintain the unfolded state. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the rib fixing mechanisms include locking pins 45 f and springs 45 m. In addition, locking grooves 45 e are respectively formed on a first side of each of the insertion portions 45 d such that the rib fixing mechanisms are capable of being operated, and mounting space portions 45 p are respectively formed in the fixing ribs 45 a.

Each of the locking grooves 45 e is a groove into which an end portion of each of the locking pins 45 f is respectively inserted, and each of the mounting space portions 45 p is a space in which each of the springs 45 m and a portion of each of the locking pins 45 f are accommodated. Each of the mounting space portions 45 p corresponds to each of the locking grooves 45 e.

The locking pins 45 f are pin-shaped members movable in an arrow c direction or in a direction opposite to the arrow c direction, and have pin heads 45 g and spring locking portions 45 h. For example, the pin heads 45 g are handles for a user to pull respective locking pins 45 f in the arrow c direction.

In addition, the spring locking portions 45 h are portions receiving an elastic force by the springs 45 m. The locking pins 45 f receive the elastic force via the spring locking portions 45 h and are elastically supported in the direction opposite to the arrow c direction, and the locking pins 45 f are fitted into the locking grooves 45 e, respectively, so that the rotation ribs 45 c maintain the unfolded state.

The pin heads 45 g that protrude toward side portions of the fixing ribs 45 a are pulled in the arrow c direction in order for folding the rotation ribs 45 c, and the locking pins 45 f are separated from the locking grooves 45 e. When the locking pins 45 f are separated, the rotation ribs 45 c are folded downward by weight thereof.

The rotation ribs 45 c are pulled upward while the locking pins 45 f are pulled in the arrow c direction in order for unfolding the folded rotation ribs 45 c, and each of the locking grooves 45 e is positioned on an extending line of each of the locking pins 45 f, and then the locking pins 45 f are released. When the locking pins 45 f are released, the locking pins 45 f are respectively fitted into the locking grooves 45 e by the action of the springs 45 m.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views for explaining a configuration of still another type of the foldable hood that can be applied to the variable hood apparatus for the kitchen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The foldable hood 40 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes another head portion 41, four other fixing ribs 45 a that are spaced apart from each other by predetermined intervals, other rotation ribs 45 c linked to the other fixing ribs 45 a via other connecting pins 45 q, respectively, and other rib fixing mechanisms.

The rib fixing mechanisms are configured to enable the other rotation ribs 45 c rotated upward to maintain the unfolded state, and include arcuate-shaped rods 46, ratchet fingers 46 a, locking tubes 47, and tube holders 48.

Each of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 is an arcuate-shape member having a predetermined curvature. Further, a first end portion of each of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 is formed integrally with each of the other rotation ribs 45 c, respectively, and a second end portion of each of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 is inserted into each of side portion holes 41 f, respectively. The side portion holes 41 f are through-holes formed on a peripheral portion of the another head portion 41, and enable the arcuate-shaped rods 46 to pass therethrough, respectively. Each of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 is partially inserted inside the another head portion 41 via each of the side portion holes 41 f, respectively.

In addition, the ratchet fingers 46 a are respectively mounted on the arcuate-shaped rods 46. The ratchet fingers 46 a are members which are rotatably mounted on the arcuate-shaped rods 46 via finger shafts 46 b, respectively, and are configured to be locked on respective toothed portions 47 c, thereby preventing the other rotation ribs 45 c from being moved downward.

The locking tubes 47 are square pipe-shaped members fixed to an outer portion of the another head portion 41 via the tube holders, respectively, and the tooth portions 47 c are provided inside the locking tubes 47, respectively. The toothed portions 47 c are portions locked on the ratchet fingers 46 a, respectively. In a state in which each of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 is respectively fitted into passages 47 a that are provided by the locking tubes 47, if the ratchet fingers 46 a are not provided, the arcuate-shaped rods 46 are freely rotatable in an arrow g direction or in a direction opposite to the arrow g direction when the other rotation ribs 45 c are rotated.

However, since the ratchet fingers 46 a are provided and the toothed portions 47 c are formed inside the locking tubes 47, the movement of the arcuate-shaped rods 46 in the arrow c direction is restricted. In other words, when the other rotation ribs 45 c are unfolded, the other rotation ribs 45 c may maintain the unfolded state.

The specific embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment. It would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the present disclosure are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A variable hood apparatus for a kitchen, the variable hood apparatus comprising: a bent column formed by pressing a metal plate and having a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a longitudinal direction, the bent column being fixed to a wall of the kitchen and being configured to provide a supporting force; a support body detachably mounted on the bent column and configured to be capable of adjusting a height level thereof; a first horizontal bar which is supported by the support body and which extends in a horizontal direction, the first horizontal bar being configured to be rotatable while the horizontal bar maintains a horizontal state; a slider mounted on the first horizontal bar and configured to be slidably movable along a longitudinal direction of the first horizontal bar; a second horizontal bar which is supported by the slider and which extends in the horizontal direction, the second horizontal bar being configured to be rotatable while the second horizontal bar maintains the horizontal state; a foldable hood mounted on an extension end portion of the second horizontal bar, the foldable hood being configured to be unfolded while being used and to be folded while being not used; an exhaust pipe which is connected to the foldable hood and which extends to an outside; and an exhaust mechanism configured to generate an airflow which is formed inside the exhaust pipe and which is in a direction toward the outside, thereby inducing a negative pressure in the foldable hood.
 2. The variable hood apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bent column is fixed vertically and has a plurality of locking holes spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, wherein the support body comprises: a main body provided with a support hole having a predetermined inner diameter; and a locking bracket fixed to a first side of the main body and supported by the plurality of locking holes, wherein the first horizontal bar has a rotary shaft inserted into the support hole such that the first horizontal bar is axially rotatable with respect to the support hole, and has an extension slit which extends in an extending direction of the first horizontal bar and which has a predetermined width, wherein the slider comprises: a traveling guider configured to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the extension slit while being inserted into the extension slit; a cover plate which is formed integrally with the traveling guider and which is in surface contact with a top surface of the first horizontal bar; and a support pin fixed perpendicular to the cover plate, wherein the second horizontal bar is linked to the support pin of the slider such that the second horizontal bar is rotatable with respect to the support pin.
 3. The variable hood apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exhaust pipe is a flexible bellows, an extension end portion of the exhaust pipe is provided with a fixing block that is capable of being fitted into and fixed to a window frame, and the exhaust mechanism comprises a blower and an air guiding pipe which is connected to the blower and inserted into an inside of the exhaust pipe, the air guiding pipe being configured to eject air supplied from the blower to the inside of the exhaust pipe.
 4. The variable hood apparatus of claim 3, wherein a venturi portion is further provided inside the exhaust pipe, and the air guiding pipe is disposed on a downstream of the venturi portion.
 5. The variable hood apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foldable hood comprises: a head portion fixed to an end portion of the second horizontal bar and connected to the exhaust pipe; and a wing portion positioned below the head portion, the wing portion being configured to guide gas to be exhausted to the head portion by being unfolded while being used, and the wing portion being folded while being not used.
 6. The variable hood apparatus of claim 5, wherein the wing portion comprises a plurality of split wings hinge-connected to the head portion and configured to be rotatable up and down, the plurality of split wings being configured such that opposite end portions in a side direction thereof are in close contact with each other while being rotated upward, thereby maintaining an unfolded state.
 7. The variable hood apparatus of claim 5, wherein the wing portion comprises: a plurality of fixing ribs which is fixed to the head portion and which extends in a radial direction around the head portion, and which is spaced apart from each other by predetermined intervals; a plurality of rotation ribs respectively pin connected to the plurality of fixing ribs and configured to be rotatable up and down; a plurality of rib fixing mechanisms configured to enable the plurality of rotation ribs to maintain an unfolded state when the plurality of rotation ribs is rotated upward; and a heat-resistant light permeable fabric fixed to the plurality of fixing ribs and the plurality of rotation ribs, the heat-resistant light permeable fabric being configured to be unfolded while the plurality of rotation ribs is rotated upward, thereby guiding the gas to be exhausted to the head portion.
 8. The variable hood apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rib fixing mechanisms comprises: a plurality of arcuate-shaped rods having a predetermined curvature and respectively fixed to the plurality of rotation ribs; a plurality of ratchet fingers respectively mounted on the plurality of arcuate-shaped rods, the plurality of ratchet fingers being configured to be rotatable; and a plurality of locking tubes supported by the head portion and providing a plurality of passages through which the plurality of arcuate-shaped rods respectively passes, the plurality of locking tubes being configured such that inner portions of the passages are respectively provided with a plurality of toothed portions, and the plurality of toothed portions being configured to be locked on the plurality of ratchet fingers, respectively, such that the plurality of rotation ribs is prevented from being moved downward. 